Bell’s Palsy Symptoms & 10 Natural Remedies

Bell’s palsy is a temporary form of facial paralysis caused by damage or trauma to the facial nerves. The condition disrupts the function of the facial nerve, which interrupts the messages that the brain sends to the facial muscles. The result is facial weakness or paralysis. However, there are treatments available for this condition. (1) Bell’s palsy natural treatments can help strengthen the the facial nerve and reduce pain. The condition is often associated with other conditions. These include, for example, diabetes, high blood pressure, injury, Lyme disease, and multiple sclerosis. With the right kind of Bell’s palsy natural remedies at your fingertips, you can work to reduce some of your Bell’s palsy symptoms. (2)

Bell’s Palsy Symptoms

The onset of weakness or paralysis in one side of the face that occurs suddenly or over a 48-hour period

Bell’s Palsy Natural Remedies

1. Massage

Many patients suffering from the condition find relief in Bell’s palsy symptoms through massage therapy. Visit a licensed massage therapist with experience in Bell’s palsy treatment and book a full-body appointment. Massage can help in a variety of ways, such as reducing inflammation. Furthermore, it can ease stress and anxiety one may experience due to this condition.

2. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is fantastic for treating numerous issues, including insomnia, depression, digestive issues, and even side effects from chemotherapy. Additionally, acupuncture may also provide relief as a Bell’s palsy natural treatment. This practice stimulates the nerves and muscles, which can offer relief from symptoms. Find an acupuncturist with experience in treating Bell’s palsy.

3. Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is associated with eye health and nervous system health. As such, this vitamin is an important part of Bell’s palsy natural treatment. (3) You can increase your vitamin B6 intake by eating plenty of foods rich in this vitamin. Foods rich in Vitamin B6, for example, include chickpeas, potatoes, bananas, pistachios, avocado, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds.

4. Meditation

When it comes to the ability to heal physically, do not underestimate the abilities of meditation and related practices. Meditation isn’t just for mental healing. This is because when you heal mentally, you help your body heal physically. Remember, the brain is a powerful tool! As such, guided meditation, yoga and deep breathing exercises can all help ease the symptoms of Bell’s Palsy. These practices can relieve muscle tension and chronic pain by reducing stress. Taking a few minutes each day to slow down and focus on positive energy may help relieve anxiety.

5. Zinc

Zinc is known for its ability to heal wounds and boost immune system response. (4) For this reason, people often use it when they feel a cold or some other common illness coming on. Similarly, zinc can help treat Bell’s Palsy. Adding zinc-rich foods to your diet can help your body heal from the underlying condition that is causing your symptoms. For example, you might try spinach, kidney beans, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and watermelon seeds.

6. Castor Oil

Many people use castor oil for a variety of issues, including kidney or liver problems, and even infertility. Castor oil is known to help improve circulation, prevent the growth of bacteria and support the lymphatic system. Using a castor oil compress may help with healing by enhancing blood flow to the affected areas. Warm one tablespoon of castor oil and massage it onto your face. Cover your face with a warm, damp washcloth and leave it on for 20-30 minutes. Use the compress twice a day. (5) Additionally, you may find this exercise to be quite relaxing and therapeutic, which will help lower stress. This will in turn lend itself to easing your symptoms.

7. Bell’s Palsy Exercises

Certain types of exercise may help you regain strength and use of your facial muscles. Try visiting a physical therapist who has experience working with Bell’s palsy patients. They can provide you with personalized facial exercises that will help improve nerve functioning. Simple exercises for Bell’s palsy may include, for example, wrinkling your nose, smiling wide, frowning, and raising your eyebrows.

8. Elderberry

Elderberry also works great as a Bell’s palsy natural remedy thanks to its strong anti-viral properties. This berry boast quite the impressive resume, in fact. For example, it can help reverse diabetes, help control weight, and offer relief from allergies, to name a few. Additionally, elderberry can fight inflammation and illnesses in general. (6) Elderberry is available in different forms, including tea, syrup, ointments, lozenges and pills.

9. Echinacea

You may have heard of taking echinacea for a cold or the flu. However, just like zinc, this supplement also works to help relieve symptoms of Bell’s palsy. This is because echinacea can help boost immune system function and reduce inflammation. Choose a high-quality liquid Echinacea supplement and take 10 milligrams per one kilogram of body weight, for ten days to help alleviate symptoms. (7)

10. Moist Heat

A warm cloth can also help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with Bell’s palsy. Add essential oils such as lavender, rose, ylang ylang or chamomile to a warm cloth. Use this compress whenever pain appears or you want to relieve tension. Along the same vein of massage or using castor oil, this method will also help reduce stress, adding to the relief of your symptoms.

Lindsey Shaffer is a writer and editor for DavidWolfe.com and holds a B.A. in Professional Writing and Editing. She is a health and fitness enthusiast and a world traveler with a love of coffee and a passion for adventure.